MANKATO, Minn. — While Minnesotans wait for the state's rising waters to subside, some are already looking at the damage to their homes and land and asking how they'll recover.
"The water is too deep for me to wade in," said Rich Gorell, who has been evacuated from his home in Waterville since Friday. "My wife and I know we have water on our main floor, but I have got to wait for it to go down before I can even get in there to see what's going on."
Gorell and his wife are among about 20 people who have utilized a temporary shelter hosted by The Village in Waterville and in conjunction with the American Red Cross.
Le Sueur County Manager, Joe Martin, says flooding in Waterville crested an entire foot above the 100 year flood plain. Though waters have now receded at least three inches, the county isn't likely to have a rough estimate of homes damaged until Thursday.
In Blue Earth County, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Susan Arntz, the city manager for Mankato, spoke to members of the media Wednesday about river conditions and how people can prepare for when the water recedes.
Officials recommend everyone save receipts for items damaged in their homes, electronics and crops damaged by flood waters. Currently, state and federal partners are still assessing damage levels and that process will continue for the next several days.
"We are very clear that the Governor and I stand ready along with our partners in the legislature to make sure that if Minnesotans need additional resources that we are able to get those to them," Flanagan said. "I would say you know, special session is certainly an option to getting those resources.
"I'm not clear on timing, and if that's inevitable... Minnesotans should be certain that if there is additional resources that are needed for recovery, we're going to figure out how to get them to them."
Arntz said the Blue Earth River peaked at around 29.7 feet around midday Tuesday and has been steady for the last 24 hours or so. The influx of water and a partial failure of the Rapidan Dam near Mankato has already caused severe damage to nearby properties.
The river is expected to start receding on Friday.
Chantel Sommerfield is one local who watched every day as the view of the Rapidan Dam changed. A mail carrier who grew up in the community, Sommerfield said it was only a few days ago that she dropped off packages to residences near the dam.
“Now it’s gone. It hits home," she said. "When COVID hit, my mom’s house caught on fire and this is just a big disaster situation that the community has to go through.”
She says she can relate to the pain they must feel, but she also knows the community will rally around those who need it and support one another with whatever happens next.
“We have seen a significant change overnight as the channel west of the dam has continued to cut wider and deeper," said Robert Meyer, Blue Earth County administrator. "As a result, there’s no flow occurring over the dam."
Meyer said officials have begun focusing their attention from the dam to the bridge.
“The erosion could impact the pillars surrounding the bridge and that could impact the structural integrity of the bridge, so we’re continuing to explore mitigation options to ensure the bridge remains as well as the dam,” Meyer said.
Flanagan acknowledged that not only is the water high in Mankato but that southern Minnesota as a whole is facing incredible damage. Officials noted the importance of listening to local authorities and the safety messages they send out to the public.
"We've seen people who are real curious. And the conversations I've had with our staff when they see people being curious and going in looking and getting real close, or we've seen people standing in the river up to their waist," Arntz said. "And in talking with the team, when they see that, what goes through their mind is that's not going to be a rescue effort. That's going to be a recovery effort.
"They need to stay out of the river, they need to stay out of the closed roads, they need to stop moving barricades and driving around them. We put them there to keep them safe," said Arntz.
A spokesperson for the Hruska family, who lost their home as it collapsed into the river late Tuesday, said the family is grateful for her neighbors who continue to reach out.
“The outpouring of support has been phenomenal and overwhelming,” said family friend Louise Henderson. Henderson verified a fundraiser has been set up to help the family. You can find it here.
A debris collection site is also now operating in Mankato at 155 Sakata Drive for residents to drop off their flood-damaged items. Officials said the site will remain open until 9 p.m. on Friday, June 28. Residents can enter the debris site from Riverfront Drive/Lime Valley Road.
Anyone interested in helping flood victims in Waterville, click here for more information on fundraising and volunteer resources.
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